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CHAPTER 3

TACTICAL IMPACT OF NIGHT DEVICES

SECTION 1 - IMPACT ON OPERATIONS

EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

301. The contemporary night vision and surveillance devices have a revolutionary potential in
the conduct of operations by night. If available in sufficient numbers, they will accelerate the
speed of operations to almost the daytime standards. However, armies in the developing
countries often cannot field such devices in large numbers, the cost being prohibitive.

302. Concentration of Force. These devices will enable a commander to concentrate his
force at the right time and place, and disperse it with equal speed by day and night. This
capability has special significance in the nuclear environment.

303. Mobility. Night vision devices will add a new dimension to tactical and battlefield
mobility. Forces can cover great distances at night without losing direction. Movement on
cross-country tracks will be easier and quicker.

304. Command and Control. Night observation devices will keep commanders in visual
picture of the battle. Early information, better command and control coupled with mobility will
give commanders greater flexibility in the employment of troops. By launching the reserves in
both defensive and offensive operations at the correct time and place, they can influence the
battle effectively.

305. Fire Support. In the absence of night vision devices, armour, artillery, aircraft and
infantry support weapons cannot provide requisite effective supporting fire. Introduction of
night vision devices would enable detection and effective engagement of targets, approximating
the daytime ranges.

306. Air Support. Effective close air support to ground troops along fluid front-line
posseses enormous problems and calls for foolproof identification techniques. But, effective
interdiction and bombing across clearly defined bombline are feasible. Also, new air
reconnaissance techniques will enable the commanders to have ‘real-time’ information of the
defender’s localities and the attacker’s armour and troops concentrations.

EFFECT ON OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS

307 It may no longer be possible to conduct the night attack in the traditional manner, due to
the availability of surveillance devices to the enemy which necessitates concentration of troops
out of his acquisition range. The exposure of troops in assembly areas and forming up places
will have to be reduced to prevent the loss of surprise and accurate engagement by the enemy’s
artillery.

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308. With the introduction of night vision devices, the problem of identification of the
objectives will be overcome to a great extent. The reduction of the enemy’s defences will
become easier as strong points and pillboxes can be identified clearly. Passage through lines
and the reorganisation stage of attack would also become simpler. Readjustment can be carried
out more speedily. Command and control can be regained quickly. Surveillance radar and
night vision devices would play on important role in detecting and defeating the enemy counter
attack. These will facilitate effective engagement of targets, including defensive fire tasks
during reorganisation.

EFFECT ON DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS

309. Co-ordinated deployment of surveillance devices is more feasible for the defender than
for the attacker. However, the attacker will continue to enjoy the advantages of choosing the
time, place and direction of the attack, thereby achieving an initial edge over the defender.

310. Extent of Surveillance. The range and extent of surveillance by the defender would be
considerably enhanced by these devices. The defender can cover the area in front and on the
flanks more effectively and in tieres to offset the attacker’s plan.

311. Defensive Fire. The defender can cover more ground by firepower than by manpower.
There would be less requirement to readjust the defences at night. The gaps in the defences can
be covered effectively by readjustment of fire aided by night vision devices, without deploying
additional troops for this purpose the manpower thus saved will be utilised to reinforce
defences, provide greater depth and reaction capability to the commander.

312. Reaction. These devices enable the defender to detect and beat back an enemy assault
and deliver a timely counter attack. Surveillance devices give more reaction time to the
defender to readjust his defended localities and areas.

313. Withdrawal. The introduction of night vision devices will quite nullify the advantages
of a night withdrawal over a withdrawal by day. It may not be all that easy to effect a clean
break at night due to the effectiveness of the enemy’s surveillance devices. Therefore, greater
reliance will have to be placed on an intelligent use of dead ground and deception measures. All
the same, own surveillance devices would lessen the possibility of surprise attacks on a
withdrawing force. The commander, can plan and execute his reactions to greater effect.
Command and control of the withdrawal would be rendered easier.

SECTION 2 - IMPLICATION FOR VARIOUS ARMS

MECHANISED FORCES

314. General. Prior to the introduction of infrared vision devices, armour had only a limited
scope for employment at night. The pattern of employment was to operate by day, and to
recoup and replenish by night. Modern tanks and infantry combat vehicles are fitted with
various types of sophisticated devices which give them the capability of observing, moving and
fighting at night. This has brought about revolutionary changes in the employment of the crew
the equipment and the tactics.

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315. Effect on the Crew. Continuous operations by day and night, while conferring
tremendous tactical advantage in battle, also impose stress, strain and fatigue on the crews and
commanders, adversely affecting their efficiency. During prolonged operations, suitable pauses
for the effected units have to be planned and organised. During low intensity operations and
when not in contact with the enemy, relief crews may be provided at sub unit and unit levels
with seconds in command relieving the commanders temporarily. However, this has to be
meticulously analysed and phased in order to maintain the combat worthiness at the desired
level. It is easier said than achieved.

316. Effect on Equipment. Operations involving prolonged and sustained movement and
combat have a naturally adverse effect on the equipment; Wear and tear increase. In order to
maintain the momentum of operations, forward repairs in sit are absolutely essential. Forward
repair teams should be grouped and moved with the forward combat elements. In addition, the
crew will be equipped and trained to carry out essential repairs by themselves. For this purpose,
first line spares must be available on the tanks and self propelled carriers.

317. Effect on Tactics. The night environment and vision devices have considerable impact
on the tactics of the mechanised forces.

a. Dispersion and Concentration. Mechanised forces are a lucrative target for the
enemy air. When in contact with the enemy and within the range of his night vision
devices, mechanised forces will need to disperse, and operate in mission-oriented,
smaller tactical groups.

b. Navigation and Movement. The darkness of the night restricts movement and
makes navigation difficult. Till World War II, the tanks were virtually blind at night.
The introduction of night vision devices, gyro compasses and dedicated navigational aids
have helped overcome this problem. Mechanised forces are now capable of navigating
and moving almost at day-like speeds. These devices also help in precision driving
through defiles like assault bridges, lanes and vehicles safe lanes. However, these
devices cannot substitute human skill and experience. Devices are vulnerable to damage
in combat. The crews should be trained to do without them when necessary, and fall
back on the prismatic compass, astral navigation and route-marking.

c. Manoeuvres. Night manoeuvres were not unequivocally feasible earlier due to

restricted visibility. Modern devices now enable the commanders not only to execute
manoeuvres by night with nearly daytime efficiency but also to engage in battle. In case
own forces are equipped with better and sophisticated devices, this advantage should be
exploited to out manoeuvre and destroy the enemy.

INFANTRY

318. General. Night has always favoured the skilled and well-trained infantryman. Using
the cover of darkness, infantry closes with the enemy to launch silent attack. It can infiltrate
the defences. Reconnaissance patrols move with stealth and obtain useful information. Night
vision and surveillance devices with the defender may not permit the attacking infantry the
freedom of movement at night as hither to force. However, these devices are yet to be
introduced in sufficient numbers to influence infantry tactics radically. Therefore, infantry will
be trained to operate with or without these devices.
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319. Navigation. Landmarks cannot be identified easily and direction keeping is difficult,
relying mainly on the prismatic compass, navigation charts and navigation by Stars. The
problem of navigation can be overcome partly with devices like night goggles and binoculars.
Infantry movements would then become speedier.

320. Observation. Restricted visibility at night limits the observation range of an

infantryman. More personnel have to be employed for surveillance at night. Infantryman have
to use their ears and normal binoculars. These methods of observation will remain relevant
since the availability of modern devices will be restricted, and some of the inherent problems of
the night will remain. Employment of modern devices will enhance the observation and
surveillance capability of infantry in the following manner:

a. Enhanced efficiency of patrols and observation posts.

b. Reduction in the number of personnel employed at listening and observation

posts.

c. More effective surveillance of gaps in defences.

d. Early detection and effective engagement of the enemy by own weapons.

321. Fieldcraft. Night will no longer provide a blanket protection of darkness. Camouflage,
concealment and fieldcraft will assume greater validity.

322. Use of Weapons. Darkness restricts the range of direct firing weapons. Aimed fire is
possible only at very short ranges. In the absence of suitable night sights, the infantry can only
rely on illumination, approximation and prearranged fixed lines. The new devices enable
effective employment of all infantry weapons at night as well.

323. Effect onTactics. Infantry has been exploiting the darkness of the night to its best
advantage and should continue to do so against an enemy not equipped with night vision and
surveillance devices. When within the range of enemy’s devices, infantry will have to move
faster and with greater dispersion. There would be a requirement of effective neutralisation of
the enemy, including the use of smoke. Use of own devices will enable better command and
control, speedier movement, and easier identification of objectives.

ARTILLERY

324. General. Problems of engagement of targets owing to the difficulties in observation,

navigation, deployment, survey and local defence get aggravated at night. These problems
could be overcome to a considerable extent with the introduction of appropriate devices with
adequate ranges.

325. Control and Direction of Fire. This is the most important aspect of artillery functions
at night. At present, the engagement of targets by night is carried out by means of illumination,
stop-watch method, sound adjustment or in relation to an already engaged or previously
recorded target. Illumination has an inherent loss of surprise. Other methods of engagement do
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not produce the desired degree of effectiveness. Introduction of night observation devices will
revolutionise fire support at night. These devices will be more effective when heliborne.
Reconnaissance, survey, selection and occupation of gun areas by night will be possible without
daylight reconnaissance. Night goggles, driving aids, image intensifiers and laser range-finders
will facilitate these functions. Vehicles with cross-country mobility and computerised grinding
will enable speedy movement and survey. Modern ‘Artillery Combat Command and Control
System’ (ACCCS) incorporate such facilities.

326. Meteorological Corrections. Meteorological corrections by night are inaccurate due to

the inadequacy of the available means, such as the rough and ready meteorological or live firing
methods. Electronic means capable of functioning under all-weather and night conditions, like
meteorological radar or its interfacing with the ACCCS will overcome these problems to ensure
first salvo hit capability.

ENGINEERS

327. Engineer tasks are mostly carried out by night. Because of the restrictions on the use of
light due to tactical reasons, planning timings using night drills are much longer than timings by
day. With the introduction of night vision devices, better timings and daytime drills are feasible
with minor modifications.

328. Reconnaissance. The problems of restricted visibility, detailed and accurate

information of obstacles can be overcome with the help of night vision devices.

329. Battle and Deployment Drills. Battle and deployment drills have to be carried out at
night by a task force in bridge marshalling harbours, vehicles waiting areas and obstacle
crossing sites. Night vision devices help such preparation and execution in less time.

330. Mine Laying and Breaching Tasks. Arming and disarming of mines in darkness is a
time-consuming task as it is governed more by sense of touch and feeling. Night vision devices
will facilitate faster execution of these tasks with greater efficiency.

331. Bridging. As compared to day, bridging by night takes more time. Better timings,
safety of personnel and economy of effort can be achieved with night vision devices.

332. Demolition. Night vision devices cut down the preparatory time as well as chances of
accidents.

333. Trail Blazing. In rapid advance across country, it is imperative that a trail is blazed
speedily to support the leading mechanised columns, because the depth to which an armoured
thrust can be made depends on the logistic capability of the force. Night vision devices enhance
the speed of trail blazing by engineer task forces at night.

SIGNALS

334. Line Communications. Laying of new lines as well as rectification of faults on line
take more time at night. Night vision devices facilitate night movement and deployment of
headquarters and repair of communications break-downs.
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335. Radio Relay Communications. Establishment of radio relay communications at night

takes longer due to the additional time required for aerial and line engineering. In addition,
local protection must also be arranged.

336. Radio Communications. Establishment of VHF radio nets will pose little problem
except for the sitting when located away from the headquarters. HF links are likely to suffer
from noise and interference due to changes in atmospheric conditions and become less reliable.

337. Noise. Noise from generating and charging equipment will travel longer distances. This
has to be effectively muffle round the clock. Black-out aspects must also be monitored
effectively under field conditions.

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